Opportunistic combining of data chunks is disclosed. Data chunks stored in storage devices of different zones of a zone storage system can be convolved to conserve memory. The zone storage system can be a geographically diverse storage system. A convolved chunk can be stored at a zone that does not contribute a local data chunk to the data represented in the convolved chunk. A zone storage component can be androgynous, rather than being explicitly configured to act as a front/back end storage device. This androgyny can enable the zone storage system to store a complete chunk at a zone based on real time use. In an aspect, an androgynous zone storage component can take on, or transition between, a de facto front-end storage device character or de facto back-end storage device character in response to deployment of the androgynous zone storage component in the storage system.
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1. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: determining a number of data zones comprising a distributed storage construct; determining that a count of ready data chunks is less than the number of data zones, wherein the ready data chunks comprise a first data chunk stored in a first zone storage device corresponding to a first data zone of the data zones and a second data chunk stored in a second zone storage device corresponding to a second zone of the data zones; and in response to combining the first data chunk and the second data chunk into a first combined data chunk, storing the first combined data chunk in a third zone storage device corresponding to the a third data zone of the data zones, wherein the third zone storage device is not the same zone storage device as the first zone storage device, and wherein the third zone storage device is not the same zone storage device as the second zone storage device.
This invention relates to distributed storage systems and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing data distribution across multiple storage zones. In such systems, data is divided into chunks and stored across different zones to improve reliability and performance. However, when the number of ready data chunks is insufficient to fill all available zones, inefficiencies arise. The invention solves this by combining data chunks from different zones into a single combined chunk and storing it in a third zone, distinct from the original zones. The system includes a processor and memory that execute instructions to determine the number of data zones in a distributed storage construct. It then checks if the count of ready data chunks is less than the number of zones. If so, it combines a first data chunk from a first zone storage device and a second data chunk from a second zone storage device into a single combined chunk. This combined chunk is then stored in a third zone storage device, ensuring that the third zone is different from the first and second zones. This approach optimizes storage utilization and maintains data distribution across zones even when the number of ready chunks is insufficient.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise: in response to combining a third data chunk of the ready data chunks, wherein the third data chunk is stored in the third zone storage device, and the first combined data chunk into a second combined data chunk, storing the second combined data chunk in a fourth zone storage device corresponding to a fourth data zone of the data zones, and wherein the fourth zone storage device is not the same zone storage device as the first zone storage device, second zone storage device, or third zone storage device.
The invention relates to data storage systems designed to improve data distribution and redundancy. The system manages data chunks across multiple storage zones to enhance reliability and performance. Initially, data is divided into chunks and stored in separate zone storage devices. When a data chunk from a first zone is combined with another chunk from a second zone, the resulting combined data is stored in a third zone, ensuring that the combined data is not stored in the same zone as either of the original chunks. This process is repeated iteratively. For example, when a third data chunk from a third zone is combined with a previously combined data chunk, the new combined data is stored in a fourth zone, distinct from the first, second, and third zones. This approach distributes data across different zones, reducing the risk of data loss due to zone failures and improving system resilience. The system dynamically assigns storage zones to ensure that combined data is always stored in a zone separate from the zones containing the original chunks, maintaining data integrity and availability.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the operations further comprise: in response to combining a third data chunk of the ready data chunks, wherein the third data chunk is stored in the fourth zone storage device corresponding to a fourth data zone of the data zones, and the first combined data chunk into a second combined data chunk, storing the second combined data chunk in a third zone storage device, wherein the fourth zone storage device is not the same zone storage device as the first zone storage device, second zone storage device, or third zone storage device.
This invention relates to a data storage system designed to improve data distribution and retrieval efficiency. The system addresses the problem of optimizing storage and access performance by dynamically combining and redistributing data chunks across multiple storage zones. Each data zone corresponds to a distinct storage device, ensuring that data is distributed across different physical or logical storage units to enhance reliability and performance. The system processes data chunks that are ready for combination, selecting a third data chunk from a fourth zone storage device. This third data chunk is combined with a previously generated first combined data chunk to form a second combined data chunk. The second combined data chunk is then stored in a third zone storage device, ensuring that the fourth zone storage device is distinct from the first, second, and third zone storage devices used in prior operations. This redistribution prevents data concentration in a single storage device, balancing load and improving access times. The system dynamically manages data placement to maintain optimal performance and fault tolerance.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein: the storing the first combined data chunk is in response to combining the first data chunk, the second data chunk, and a third data chunk of the ready data chunks, the third data chunk is stored in a fourth zone storage device corresponding to a fourth data zone of the data zones; and the fourth zone storage device is not the same zone storage device as the first zone storage device, second zone storage device, or third zone storage device.
This invention relates to a data storage system designed to distribute data chunks across multiple storage zones to enhance reliability and performance. The system addresses the problem of data loss or performance degradation in storage systems by ensuring that data chunks are stored in distinct storage zones, preventing concentration of data in a single zone and reducing the risk of failure. The system processes data chunks that are ready for storage and combines them into a single combined data chunk. This combined data chunk includes at least three separate data chunks: a first data chunk, a second data chunk, and a third data chunk. Each of these data chunks is stored in different zone storage devices corresponding to different data zones. Specifically, the first data chunk is stored in a first zone storage device, the second data chunk in a second zone storage device, and the third data chunk in a fourth zone storage device. The fourth zone storage device is distinct from the first, second, and third zone storage devices, ensuring that no two data chunks of the combined data chunk are stored in the same storage zone. This distribution minimizes the risk of data loss due to zone failures and improves overall system resilience. The system dynamically assigns storage zones to ensure balanced distribution and optimal performance.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein a difference between the number of data zones and the count of ready data chunks is one.
A system for managing data storage and retrieval in a distributed or decentralized network addresses inefficiencies in data distribution and access. The system organizes data into discrete zones, each containing multiple data chunks, and tracks which chunks are ready for access or processing. A key feature is that the difference between the total number of data zones and the count of ready data chunks is exactly one. This ensures that at any given time, only one data zone is not fully ready, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing delays in data availability. The system dynamically adjusts the readiness status of chunks based on network conditions, storage availability, or processing demands, maintaining near-optimal performance. By enforcing this strict relationship between zones and ready chunks, the system prevents bottlenecks and ensures balanced data distribution across the network. This approach is particularly useful in environments where data must be frequently accessed or updated, such as cloud storage, distributed databases, or peer-to-peer networks. The system may also include mechanisms for monitoring and adjusting the readiness of chunks to adapt to changing workloads or network conditions.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein a difference between the number of data zones and the count of ready data chunks is greater than one.
A data storage system manages data distribution across multiple storage devices by organizing data into zones and chunks. The system addresses inefficiencies in data allocation, such as uneven distribution or excessive fragmentation, which can degrade performance and reliability. The system divides data into discrete zones, each containing multiple ready data chunks that are prepared for storage or retrieval. To optimize storage efficiency and reduce overhead, the system ensures that the difference between the total number of data zones and the count of ready data chunks exceeds one. This condition prevents excessive zone creation while maintaining flexibility in data allocation, balancing storage capacity and operational efficiency. The system dynamically adjusts the number of zones and chunks based on data access patterns, ensuring optimal performance and resource utilization. By enforcing this relationship, the system avoids unnecessary fragmentation and improves data retrieval speed, making it suitable for high-performance storage applications.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first combined data chunk comprises a time stamp value to enable determining an age of the first combined data chuck, wherein the time stamp value facilitates formation of a subsequent data chunk at a time in the future, wherein the subsequent data chunk is a combination of the first combined data chunk and another data chunk or another combined data chunk, and wherein the first combined data chunk is selected for combination with the other data chunk or the other combined data chunk based on the age of the first combined data chunk.
This invention relates to data processing systems that manage and combine data chunks, particularly in scenarios where data age and temporal relevance are critical. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently merging data chunks while ensuring that older data is appropriately considered in subsequent combinations. The core functionality involves generating a combined data chunk that includes a timestamp value, which indicates the age of the data. This timestamp enables the system to determine when the data was created or last updated, allowing for informed decisions when combining it with other data chunks or previously combined data chunks in the future. The system selects which data chunks to combine based on their age, ensuring that older data is either prioritized or deprioritized as needed. This approach improves data management by maintaining temporal awareness, which is useful in applications like data aggregation, log processing, or time-sensitive analytics. The timestamp facilitates dynamic and adaptive data merging, ensuring that the resulting combined data chunks reflect the most relevant or up-to-date information.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first combined data chunk comprises a zone identifier value to enable determining identities of data zones corresponding to the first and second data chunks combined into the first combined data chuck to facilitate formation of a subsequent data chunk at a time in the future, wherein the subsequent data chunk is a combination of the first combined data chunk and another data chunk or another combined data chunk, and wherein the first combined data chunk is selected for combination with the other data chunk or the other combined data chunk based on the zone identifier value.
A data management system organizes and combines data chunks to optimize storage and retrieval efficiency. The system addresses challenges in tracking and managing data fragments by incorporating a zone identifier within combined data chunks. This identifier enables the system to determine the original data zones of the constituent chunks, ensuring accurate reconstruction and future combination of data. When forming a new combined data chunk, the system selects compatible chunks or previously combined chunks based on their zone identifiers, ensuring logical grouping and maintaining data integrity. The zone identifier thus facilitates dynamic data aggregation, allowing the system to adaptively combine data over time while preserving traceability to source zones. This approach improves storage efficiency and simplifies data retrieval by reducing fragmentation and enabling intelligent chunk selection for future combinations. The system dynamically adjusts data structures based on evolving storage needs, ensuring optimal performance without manual intervention.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first combined data chunk is selected for combination with the other data chunk or the other combined data chunk based on an identity of a data zone of the data zones determined from the zone identifier value.
The invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for managing and combining data chunks to optimize storage efficiency and retrieval performance. The problem addressed is the inefficient use of storage space and computational resources when handling fragmented or unoptimized data chunks, particularly in systems where data is divided into zones for organization and retrieval. The system processes data by dividing it into multiple data chunks, each associated with a zone identifier value that indicates a specific data zone. The system then selects a first combined data chunk from a set of available data chunks or previously combined data chunks. The selection is based on the identity of a data zone, determined from the zone identifier value, to ensure that data from the same or related zones is grouped together. This grouping improves storage efficiency by reducing fragmentation and enhances retrieval performance by minimizing the need to access multiple storage locations. The system further includes mechanisms for combining the selected first combined data chunk with another data chunk or another combined data chunk, forming a new combined data chunk. This process ensures that data is organized in a way that optimizes storage and retrieval operations, particularly in systems where data is frequently accessed or updated. The use of zone identifiers ensures that related data remains grouped, improving overall system performance.
10. The system of claim 8 , wherein the first combined data chunk is selected for combination with the other data chunk or the other combined data chunk based on a count of zones represented in the first combined data chunk, and wherein the count is determined from the zone identifier value.
This invention relates to data processing systems that manage and combine data chunks, particularly in environments where data is organized into zones. The problem addressed is efficiently selecting and combining data chunks to optimize storage, retrieval, or processing efficiency, especially when dealing with data distributed across multiple zones. The system includes a data processing module that combines data chunks into larger combined data chunks. Each data chunk contains a zone identifier value that indicates the zone to which it belongs. When combining data chunks, the system selects a first combined data chunk for further combination with another data chunk or another combined data chunk based on the count of zones represented in the first combined data chunk. This count is derived from the zone identifier values of the data chunks within the first combined data chunk. The selection process ensures that the combination of data chunks is optimized by considering the diversity of zones represented in the combined data chunk. This approach may improve data locality, reduce fragmentation, or enhance parallel processing capabilities by grouping data chunks from different zones in a controlled manner. The system may be used in distributed storage systems, databases, or other applications where efficient data organization is critical.
11. A first zone storage device, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising: determining a number of data zones comprising a distributed storage construct; determining that a count of ready data chunks is less than the number of data zones, wherein the ready data chunks comprise a first data chunk stored in the first zone storage device corresponding to a first data zone of the data zones and a second data chunk stored in a second zone storage device corresponding to a second zone of the data zones; enabling combining the first data chunk and the second data chunk resulting in a first combined data chunk; and enabling storing of the first combined data chunk on a third zone storage device, wherein the first zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the second or third zone storage device, wherein the second zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the first or third zone storage device, and wherein the third zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the first or second zone storage device.
This invention relates to distributed storage systems, specifically addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and combining data chunks across multiple storage zones to optimize storage utilization and performance. The system includes a first zone storage device with a processor and memory that executes instructions to perform several key operations. It first determines the number of data zones in a distributed storage construct, then checks if the count of ready data chunks is insufficient to match the number of zones. Ready data chunks include a first chunk stored in the first zone and a second chunk stored in a second zone. If the count is insufficient, the system combines the first and second data chunks into a single combined data chunk. This combined chunk is then stored on a third zone storage device, ensuring that all three storage devices involved are distinct from one another. This approach helps balance data distribution and reduces fragmentation in the storage system by dynamically consolidating data chunks when necessary. The method ensures that no single storage device is overburdened and maintains efficient data retrieval by distributing combined chunks across different zones.
12. The first zone storage device of claim 11 , wherein the operations further comprise: determining that a third data chunk stored on a fourth zone storage device is available for back up, wherein the enabling combining comprises combining the first, second, and third data chunk into the first combined data chunk, wherein the first zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the second, third, or fourth zone storage device, wherein the second zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the first, third, or fourth zone storage device, wherein the third zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the first, second, or fourth zone storage device, and wherein the fourth zone storage device is not a same zone storage device as the first, second, or third zone storage device.
In the field of data storage systems, particularly those utilizing zone storage devices, a challenge arises in efficiently managing and backing up data chunks distributed across multiple storage zones. Zone storage devices are storage units that operate in distinct zones, where data is written sequentially within each zone before moving to the next. This architecture can lead to inefficiencies when attempting to back up data chunks stored across different zones, as dependencies and availability constraints must be carefully managed. To address this, a system combines data chunks from multiple zone storage devices into a single combined data chunk for backup purposes. The system first identifies a first data chunk stored on a first zone storage device and a second data chunk stored on a second zone storage device, both of which are available for backup. The system then enables the combination of these data chunks into a first combined data chunk. Additionally, if a third data chunk stored on a fourth zone storage device becomes available for backup, it is also included in the combined data chunk. The system ensures that the first, second, third, and fourth zone storage devices are distinct, meaning no two data chunks originate from the same storage device. This approach optimizes backup operations by consolidating data from multiple zones into a single, manageable unit, reducing complexity and improving efficiency in distributed storage environments.
13. The first zone storage device of claim 11 , wherein the enabling the combining comprises combining the first data chunk and the second data chunk into the first combined data chunk by the first zone storage device.
The invention relates to data storage systems, specifically zone-based storage devices that manage data in fixed-size zones. A key challenge in such systems is efficiently combining data chunks from different zones while maintaining data integrity and performance. The invention addresses this by enabling a first zone storage device to combine a first data chunk from a first zone with a second data chunk from a second zone into a single combined data chunk. This process involves the first zone storage device performing the combination operation, ensuring that the data chunks are merged without requiring additional external processing. The system may include multiple zone storage devices, each responsible for managing data within their respective zones. The combination process may involve aligning the data chunks, verifying their integrity, and merging them into a contiguous block of data. This approach improves data handling efficiency by reducing the need for intermediate storage or external coordination, particularly in distributed storage environments where data spans multiple zones. The invention is particularly useful in storage systems that require frequent data consolidation, such as those used in large-scale data centers or distributed file systems.
14. The first zone storage device of claim 11 , wherein the enabling the combining comprises allowing access to the first data chunk to enable the first data chunk and the second data chunk to be combined into the first combined data chunk by a device other than the first zone storage device.
A storage system with zone-based storage devices is used to manage data in fixed-size zones, where each zone can only be written sequentially. A challenge in such systems is efficiently combining data chunks from different zones, especially when the combining operation must be performed by a device other than the original storage device. This invention addresses this problem by enabling a first zone storage device to allow access to a first data chunk, which can then be combined with a second data chunk from a different zone into a first combined data chunk. The combining operation is performed by a separate device, ensuring flexibility and efficiency in data management. The system ensures that the first data chunk remains accessible and modifiable while enabling the combining process, which is critical for maintaining data integrity and performance in zone-based storage environments. The invention improves data handling in storage systems by allowing external devices to perform combining operations without requiring direct intervention from the original storage device.
15. The first zone storage device of claim 14 , wherein the device other than the first zone storage device is the third zone storage device.
A storage system includes multiple zone storage devices, each configured to store data in distinct storage zones. The system is designed to manage data placement and retrieval efficiently, particularly in environments where data is organized into zones with specific access or performance characteristics. One of the zone storage devices, referred to as the first zone storage device, is configured to communicate with another zone storage device to facilitate data operations. In this configuration, the first zone storage device interacts with a third zone storage device to perform tasks such as data migration, replication, or redundancy checks. The interaction ensures that data is properly distributed and maintained across the storage zones, optimizing performance and reliability. The system may also include mechanisms to handle failures or errors, ensuring data integrity and availability. The described storage device is part of a larger system that dynamically manages data placement based on access patterns, storage policies, or other criteria, improving overall system efficiency.
16. The first zone storage device of claim 14 , wherein the device other than the first zone storage device is also not the second zone storage device or the third zone storage device.
This invention relates to a storage system with multiple zone storage devices, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing data distribution and access across different storage zones. The system includes at least three distinct zone storage devices, each designated as a first, second, or third zone storage device. The first zone storage device is configured to receive a data access request and determine whether the requested data is stored in its own zone or another zone. If the data is stored in another zone, the first zone storage device forwards the request to the appropriate zone storage device. The system ensures that the first zone storage device does not forward the request to a device that is neither the second nor the third zone storage device, preventing misrouting and improving data retrieval efficiency. This selective forwarding mechanism optimizes data access paths, reducing latency and ensuring data is retrieved from the correct storage zone. The invention enhances storage system performance by maintaining clear data distribution boundaries and minimizing unnecessary inter-zone communication.
17. A method, comprising: determining, by a system comprising a processor, a number of data zones comprising a distributed storage construct; determining, by the system, that a count of ready data chunks is less than the number of data zones, wherein the ready data chunks comprise a first data chunk stored in a first zone storage device corresponding to a first data zone of the data zones and a second data chunk stored in a second zone storage device corresponding to a second zone of the data zones; combining, by the system via an exclusive-or operation, the first data chunk and the second data chunk resulting in a first combined data chunk; and storing, by the system, the first combined data chunk at a third zone storage device, wherein the first zone storage device is a different zone storage device from the second or third zone storage device, wherein the second zone storage device is a different zone storage device from the first or third zone storage device, and wherein the third zone storage device is a different zone storage device from the first or second zone storage device.
This invention relates to distributed storage systems and addresses the challenge of efficiently managing data distribution across multiple storage zones. The method involves a system with a processor that first determines the number of data zones in a distributed storage construct. The system then checks if the count of ready data chunks is insufficient to fill all zones, where ready data chunks are individual data segments stored in separate zone storage devices. For example, a first data chunk is stored in a first zone storage device, and a second data chunk is stored in a second zone storage device. If the count is insufficient, the system combines the first and second data chunks using an exclusive-or (XOR) operation to produce a first combined data chunk. This combined chunk is then stored in a third zone storage device, ensuring that all three storage devices are distinct. The method ensures data redundancy and efficient storage utilization by dynamically combining data chunks when the number of ready chunks is insufficient to populate all zones, while maintaining separation between storage devices to prevent single points of failure. This approach optimizes storage distribution and reliability in distributed systems.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the combining comprises performing the exclusive-or operation by the first zone storage device.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for combining data from multiple storage devices using logical operations. The problem addressed is efficiently and securely merging data from different storage zones while ensuring data integrity and minimizing computational overhead. The method involves a first storage device performing an exclusive-or (XOR) operation to combine data from at least two storage zones. The storage zones may be part of a distributed storage system where data is segmented and stored across multiple devices. The XOR operation allows for efficient data reconstruction and error correction, which is critical in distributed storage environments where redundancy and fault tolerance are required. The first storage device acts as the primary processor for the XOR operation, which may involve data from other storage devices or zones. This approach reduces the need for centralized processing, improving system scalability and performance. The method ensures that data can be accurately reconstructed even if one or more storage devices fail, maintaining data availability and integrity. This technique is particularly useful in systems where data is distributed across multiple storage devices, such as in cloud storage, distributed file systems, or redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configurations. The use of XOR operations allows for efficient parity calculations, which are essential for error detection and correction in such systems. The method optimizes storage efficiency by reducing the amount of redundant data while ensuring reliable data recovery.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the combining comprises performing the exclusive-or operation by the third zone storage device.
A system and method for data storage and retrieval involves distributing data across multiple storage zones to enhance security and reliability. The method addresses the challenge of protecting data from unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity in distributed storage environments. Data is divided into segments and stored across at least three storage zones, with each zone handling a portion of the data. The method includes a step where a third storage zone performs an exclusive-or (XOR) operation on data segments from the other zones to generate a combined result. This operation ensures that data can be reconstructed even if one of the storage zones becomes unavailable or compromised. The XOR operation is a cryptographic technique that combines data in a way that allows for efficient recovery while maintaining security. The system may also include error detection and correction mechanisms to further enhance data reliability. The method is particularly useful in cloud storage, distributed databases, and other systems where data is spread across multiple locations to improve fault tolerance and security.
20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the combining comprises performing the exclusive-or operation by a device other than the first zone storage device, the second zone storage device, or the third zone storage device.
This invention relates to data storage systems, specifically methods for combining data from multiple storage zones to enhance security and reliability. The problem addressed is the vulnerability of data when stored in a single location or device, which can be compromised by failures or unauthorized access. The solution involves distributing data across multiple storage zones and combining the data in a secure manner to reconstruct the original information. The method involves storing data in at least three separate storage zones, where each zone holds a portion of the data. To reconstruct the original data, the method combines the data from these zones using an exclusive-or (XOR) operation. The XOR operation is performed by a device that is distinct from the storage zones themselves, ensuring that no single storage device holds the complete data or the ability to reconstruct it independently. This approach enhances security by preventing any single storage device from being a single point of failure or compromise. The method also allows for efficient data recovery and reconstruction, even if one or more storage zones become unavailable. The use of XOR operations ensures that the combined data is accurate and complete, while the separation of the combining device from the storage zones adds an additional layer of security.
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October 26, 2017
January 7, 2020
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